Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed January 2020 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. According to the proclamation, in 2018, more than 10,000 suspected incidents of human trafficking were reported in the U.S.; and, human trafficking, in the forms of labor trafficking and sex trafficking, is a pervasive and exploitative crime occurring in communities across Michigan, throughout the United States, and around the world.
Organizations across Michigan work daily to enhance awareness and prevention efforts, provide survivors and their families with supportive services, and hold perpetrators accountable.
In Genesee County, a task force was formed with the goal of breaking the chains of bondage of Human Trafficking by acting as a bridge to education, awareness, advocacy, and services for our community and its survivors. On Thursday January 23, the Genesee County Human Trafficking Task Force is hosting Live & Learn, a free event where you will hear a powerful story of strength and determination from a survivor of Human Trafficking. The Task Force will be “spelling out” specific calls to action to help the fight against trafficking right here in Genesee County.
This event will take place from 12-2pm at 6020 Corunna Rd., Flint. A light lunch will be provided. The keynote speaker is Leslie King from Sacred Beginnings who will be accompanied by Stephanie Krieger from s7 Consulting. RSVP on the Task Force’s “Lunch & Learn Facebook Page or you can contact Kelly Umber at kelly@gvchurch.tv or 810.730.5208.
About the Genesee County Task Force
The task force is made up of community members from all walks of life. It has representation from the healthcare community, social services, law enforcement, faith-based communities, school districts, city officials and more. This multidisciplinary team ensures collaboration and varying perspectives crucial to tackling such a tough issue. The task force meets monthly to cover different community events, progress relative to prevention and victim response efforts, and to report on any trainings conducted or requested.
Meetings are held every third Monday, 9:30am at the Genesee County Health Department in their conference room, Floyd McCree Building, 630 Saginaw St., Flint, Second Floor. Parking is available at the First Presbyterian Church. 746 Saginaw St., Flint.
